*Proposed law to compel civil servants to disclose assets* https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaatWAaBadmi3bUGfI3K CABINET has approved the Public Service Amendment Bill, which, inter-alia, will compel public servants to disclose their assets to the Corporate Governance Unit and introduce wide-ranging reforms to align the current legislation with the Constitution. This was disclosed by Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Dr Jenfan Muswere during a post-Cabinet media briefing in Harare on Tuesday. “The Public Service Act [Chapter 16:04] is being amended to align it to the Constitution as well as provide for the establishment of the Public Service Academy. The Academy is meant to provide for continuous professional development and training to members of the Public Service. The Bill provides that members of the Public Service Commission will be required to disclose their assets to the Corporate Governance Unit as per the dictates of the Public Entities Corporate Governance Act [Chapter 10:31]. The disclosure of assets will be in the interests of transparency and for avoidance of conflict of interest,” he said. This provision is intended to minimise conflicts of interest and reinforce public trust in Government institutions. The Bill includes several progressive clauses focused on improving employee rights, the prohibition of violence and harassment at the workplace, and the promotion of merit-based appointment and promotion. “With a view to improving the welfare of employees, the Bill provides that a female employee shall be granted a period of 98 days paid maternity leave, and prohibits violence and harassment at the workplace, including violence and harassment of a sexual-based or gender-based nature. The Public Service Commission will ensure that there will be no discrimination when considering candidates for appointment or promotion,” Dr Muswere said. In terms of administrative oversight, the Bill reinforces ministerial responsibility by assigning the management and supervision of civil servants in ministries to the respective permanent secretaries, under the direction of the responsible minister and in consultation with the Public Service Commission. Additionally, it strengthens the supervisory role of the Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet over permanent secretaries. Cabinet also approved a treaty involving Zimbabwe, Botswana and South Africa for the establishment of the Greater Mapungubwe Transfrontier Conservation Area (TFCA), a regional environmental and cultural conservation initiative. Dr Muswere said the Treaty formalised cooperation between the three countries to protect and promote shared natural and cultural heritage in the Greater Mapungubwe area, while also supporting sustainable livelihoods for communities in and around the conservation zones. “Owing to shared values, interests and cultures among the people in the Greater Mapungubwe Transfrontier Conservation Area, the Governments of Botswana, South Africa and Zimbabwe are coming together to develop models for enhancing livelihoods and conservation efforts. The Treaty will promote ecosystem integrity, biodiversity conservation, cultural heritage resource management and sustainable socio-economic development across international boundaries,” he said. Dr Muswere said the transfrontier conservation area would include the Northern Tuli Game Reserve in Botswana, Mapungubwe National Park and World Heritage Site in South Africa, and Zimbabwe’s Tuli Circle Safari Area, Maramani, and other adjacent wildlife management areas.